ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) and Alpha-9 Oncology have formalized a supply agreement for Actinium-225 (Ac-225), a rare and highly sought-after medical radioisotope essential for next-generation cancer treatments. The partnership aims to support Alpha-9's development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals for various cancer indications with high unmet medical needs.
Under the agreement, ITM will provide Ac-225 produced by Actineer Inc., a joint venture established in October 2023 between ITM and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Financial details of the contract have not been disclosed.
"This agreement strengthens our ongoing collaboration with Alpha-9 and reaffirms our mission to supply Actinium-225 to companies pioneering novel radiopharmaceuticals for high unmet need cancer indications," said Dr. Andrew Cavey, CEO of ITM. "We deeply value Alpha-9's continued trust in our capabilities to produce industrial-scale radioisotopes, supporting the development of breakthrough treatments that can potentially improve the lives of patients with cancer worldwide."
The Strategic Importance of Actinium-225
Actinium-225 represents a critical component in the rapidly evolving field of targeted alpha therapy (TAT). This rare radioisotope emits high-energy alpha particles with a short penetration range in tissue, allowing for precise targeting of tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Recent studies have demonstrated Ac-225's ability to cause double-stranded DNA breaks in cancer cells, effectively destroying them.
The radioisotope's natural scarcity and complex manufacturing requirements have historically limited its availability for clinical applications. With a relatively short half-life of approximately ten days, Ac-225 requires sophisticated global manufacturing and distribution networks to maintain supply chain integrity.
Dr. Alison Fleming, COO of Alpha-9 Oncology, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: "With its global strength in providing high-quality radioisotopes including Lutetium-177 and their growing capabilities for the production of Actinium-225, ITM is a valued partner as we progress our pipeline of clinical and discovery programs to meet the needs of cancer patients."
Addressing Global Supply Challenges
The agreement comes at a critical time when demand for Ac-225 is increasing dramatically across the pharmaceutical industry. Actineer Inc. was specifically formed to address these supply challenges by advancing cutting-edge technologies to secure and expand the Ac-225 supply chain.
The joint venture has established short-term production capabilities expected to significantly boost international supplies. Longer-term plans include the construction of a new Actinium Production Facility in Canada, which will further enhance global availability of this valuable medical radioisotope.
Advancing Precision Oncology
Alpha-9 Oncology is developing a portfolio of differentiated and highly targeted radiopharmaceuticals designed to selectively deliver radiation to tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects. The company employs proprietary technologies and a systematic approach to molecule design that offers potential for expansion into several validated oncology targets.
ITM brings to the partnership two decades of radiopharma expertise and an established global network. The company advances a broad precision oncology pipeline, including multiple phase 3 studies, combining high-quality radioisotopes with various targeting molecules.
The Future of Radiopharmaceutical Therapies
The collaboration between ITM and Alpha-9 represents a significant step forward in addressing one of the key bottlenecks in radiopharmaceutical development. By securing reliable access to Ac-225, Alpha-9 can accelerate its development programs and potentially bring new treatment options to cancer patients worldwide.
Radiopharmaceuticals using alpha-emitting isotopes like Ac-225 are gaining increased attention in oncology due to their potential to treat metastatic and treatment-resistant cancers. The precise targeting mechanism allows for delivery of cytotoxic radiation directly to cancer cells, potentially overcoming limitations of conventional therapies.
As both companies continue to innovate in this space, their partnership highlights the growing importance of strategic collaborations in addressing complex challenges in radiopharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
